“Thank you for the music. . .
Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing. . .
Who can live without it?
I ask in all honesty. . . ,”
Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulveaus.

The other day, I read an article against music. Honestly, my reaction was negative; and, that was for obvious reason.

However, please allow me to be proactive, as I share some of the benefits of music in our lives:

Among Children

In an academic article written by Donald Taylor (with Sage Publication), he writes: “Research shows that students usually enjoy playing classroom instruments (Boswell, 1991; Bowles, 1998), which may serve as motivation for continued learning. Although children often enjoy singing in kindergarten and first grade, they may sometimes be more reticent and self-conscious about singing as they grow older (Blyler, 1960; Bowles, 1998; Mizener, 1993; Phillips & Aitchison, 1998; Siebenaler, 1999).”

Even Sarah Sparks, at Education Week, she notes: “New research suggests that the complexity involved in practicing and performing music may help students’ cognitive development. Studies released last month at the Society for Neuroscience meeting here find that music training may increase the neural connections in regions of the brain associated with creativity, decision making, and complex memory, and they could improve a student’s ability to process conflicting information from many senses at once. Research also found that starting music education early can be even more helpful.”

Among Elders

Moreover in April 18, 2012, Nursing Standard’s editor-in-chief, Jean Gray reports: “ Implementation of creative therapy resulted in  improvements in creative self-expression, communication, pleasure  and enjoyment, and general engagement in people with dementia. The evaluation has emphasized the positive effects of creative or artistic approaches on dementia care, and supports  previous research on the use of such approaches in NHS dementia  care services. Further research on the immediate and longer-term  outcomes and benefits of creative therapy for people with  dementia is recommended to support the routine availability of  such therapy in dementia care.”

Among All Ages

Likewise, at Humor: International Journal of Humor Research, scholars Attila Szabo, Sarah Ainsworth and Philippa Danks write: “. . .the acute mental benefits of exercise can be reproduced with other physically less challenging, and ‘‘virtually effortless’’ interventions such as humor and music. The latter both reduce state anxiety whilst improve affective states.”

Personal Attestation

As most of you know, I’m a mom of three, separated to my kids and entire family (who are all in the Philippines), while I live and study here in Hawaii.

Being alone in this paradise, at the beginning wasn’t easy. I was home sick, and identity sick (because I left my native country at the height of my news writing career). But what kept me sane (along with my school, and my goals, to give my kids the brightest future), were my playlists.

With my favorite songs, I can write lyrics, poems, academic essays (rigid and stringent rules apply in academia here in the United States), even short stories on impromptu basis.

At school, along with the books, music is my faithful company in many libraries of the University of Hawaii.

I really can’t imagine life without music; for without my playlists; without the songs that appease my soul; without the music that touches my heart, I probably won’t be here blogging with you, my beautiful peers from WordPress.

Successful People in the Music Industry

Steve Job’s and Apple’s success, was not made by MAC. Rather, it was the iPod; and, its ability to download; to keep and play thousands of songs that made them succeed. And it even led to a bigger and undisputed success, because that creation led to further innovations of iPad and iPhone.

Jobs was smart enough to create technologies that will complement our love for music (or through media).

His creativity even had a groundbreaking (in garages), while he was bonding with his co-founder of Apple, Steve Wozniak, whom he shared his love for music (especially, those composed and sung) by Beatles

Another phenomenal person that succeeded in music, was the legendary man in the video below, the late Michael Jackson. There are many more others; actually, there are countless of them.

In Hollywood, one of the most important elements for a movie to succeed, is a good theme song. Musical scoring plays a crucial role. And a soundtrack enhances profitability.

In matters of faith and religion, churches acknowledge the effect of music in their services. They all use music to sing glories and praises to God.

Nevertheless, and as far as I am concerned: Music is only bad if the cd is pirated. Because reality is: With how relaxing music is, I still can sing and groove, even if me, or someone is totally out of tune.

Works Cited

Gray, Jean. “A move to local pay would make no sense.” Nursing Standard 18 Apr. 2012: 1. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 July 2014.

Sparks, Sarah D. “Studies Highlight Brain Benefits From Music Training.” Education Week 33.13 (2013): 6. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 July 2014.

Szabo, Attila, Sarah E. Ainsworth, and Philippa K. Danks. “Experimental Comparison Of The Psychological Benefits Of Aerobic Exercise, Humor, And Music.” Humor: International Journal Of Humor Research 18.3 (2005): 235-246. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 July 2014.

Taylor, Donald M. “Orff Ensembles: Benefits, Challenges, And Solutions.” General Music Today 25.3 (2012): 31-35. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 July 2014.

“Hypocrisy does not dwell,
nor hide in a song.
Rather, it’s deeply, darkly etched
in the heart of a very unhappy,
and insecure person,”
ME, Music’s most loyal company.

Featured Song:

Music and Me
By Michael Jackson

Thank You for the Music
By Amanda Sefried